In case, you experience continuous erectile problems it may be a symptom of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Fortunately, several methods of treatment are available such as injections and medicines including Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate), Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil), and others. These medicines are effective options in the treatment of ED but, we should not underestimate dietary choices. Many foods can positively affect your erectile function. In this document, we will discuss some foods that can improve your erections.
Can Foods Combat Erectile Dysfunction?
There is no food that can instantly cure ED but some dietary choices are important for heart health. A heart-healthy diet is very important for erectile function because it promotes blood circulation throughout the body including the penis. The penile blood flow is necessary to get and sustain an erection. Check below some dietary components that can positively affect cardiovascular health and erectile function:
- Limited saturated and trans fats
- Limited salt, alcohol, and caffeine
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats
- Lean proteins
- Fruits and vegetables
A healthy diet is an additional factor that helps against erectile dysfunction. In any case, you should consult a doctor to assess your situation and potential causes of ED and prescribe a treatment right for you. This condition may be caused by various causes.
Foods that Positively Affect Erectile Dysfunction
There are some foods and beverages for Erectile Dysfunction such as cocoa, leafy greens, olive oil, berries, salmon, apples, nuts, whole grains, watermelon, and others. If you include these foods and beverages in your diet, these products may decrease inflammation, promote overall sexual health, improve blood flow, and others.
Cocoa
The main ingredient in chocolate is cocoa and it has been found to impact ED positively. It helps to improve blood flow and cardiovascular health caused by Flavonoids that cocoa contains. Increased blood circulation to the genital area helps to facilitate and maintain erections. These flavonoids work by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which help to allow more blood to circulate to the penis. This effect may lead to hard and long-lasting erections. In any case, not all chocolates are rich in flavonoids. Generally, dark chocolate tends to contain higher levels of Flavonoids compared to milk chocolate or other chocolates with added sugars.
In addition, cocoa may also give you other benefits such as decreasing inflammation, decreasing blood pressure, improving brain function, and others.
Leafy Greens
Leafy Greens are full of important nutrients that help to decrease ED and one of them is Nitrates. Furthermore, these compounds work by relaxing blood vessels, which promote blood flow to the genital region. This effect helps to facilitate and sustain an erection. In addition, Leafy Greens are rich in Folate and Vitamin B, which also enhances erectile function. Those who eat more Folate are less likely to develop ED. These greens are low in calories and rich in fiber, which positively affect healthy weight and decrease the risk of Obesity. However, Obesity is one factor that may provoke erectile dysfunction.
Berries
This product is rich in Flavonoids, a group of plants that contain antioxidant properties. Flavonoids help to protect your body cells from oxidative stress and inflammation (swelling), which may negatively affect ED. In addition, Flavonoids could also improve blood circulation including the penis. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing more blood into your penile. This effect helps to get hard and long-lasting erections. Many studies support the benefits of foods rich in Flavonoids in decreasing the risk of erectile problems.
Watermelon
This product is considered one of the foods that can help against erectile dysfunction. Watermelon contains a high content of Citrulline, which makes it the best drink for ED. Citrulline is an Amino acid that is converted into Arginine in the body and promotes blood flow to the penis. Therefore, Arginine helps to produce Nitric Oxide, which is an important substance for obtaining and maintaining an erection. In some cases, you may hear that watermelon is called natural Viagra.
This product is effective in people with mild to moderate ED and adding watermelon to your diet may positively affect your sexual health and overall well-being, according to many studies. This product is also rich in nutrients and antioxidants that have a positive impact on cardiovascular health, which is linked with erectile function. For example Vitamin C, Lycopene, Beta-Carotene, and others.
Additionally, you should not rely on watermelon only in the ED treatment and it is recommended to see a doctor anyway.
Olive Oil
This oil contains high amounts of monounsaturated fats, which help to increase blood flow throughout the body. This effect helps to improve blood flow to the genital area, which is important to get and maintain an erection. Therefore, this product may improve your erectile function and decrease the risk of ED. Besides, monounsaturated fats, olive oil contains Polyphenols. This compound is an antioxidant that helps to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. These factors may negatively affect your erectile function.
Moreover, olive oil is also beneficial for cardiovascular health, which is directly linked to erectile function. If you are adding olive oil to your diet may be an effective support for your erectile function and cardiovascular health.
Apples
This product is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients, which can improve blood flow and overall health. Apples can reduce ED through their high levels of Flavonoids called Quercetin. Therefore, this product helps to improve cardiovascular health and blood flow and decrease inflammation, which is important for erectile function.
Additionally, apples are rich in soluble fiber, which can help to decrease cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Increased levels of cholesterol and poor heart health may elevate your risk of ED and apples helps to decrease these risk factors and improve your overall sexual health.
Salmon
This product is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for maintaining health cardiovascular health and promoting blood flow. Omega-3s may increase blood flow to the penis, causing hard erections and decreasing the risk of ED, according to research. Besides Omega-3s, Salmon is a rich source of Vitamin D, which is important for overall health. According to some studies, Vitamin D may be directly linked with erectile dysfunction.
Nuts
This product is known to offer many health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and brain function. According to some studies, nuts can help to reduce erectile dysfunction. Nuts are rich in Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and L-arginine, which are important to maintaining good sexual health. Check below these compounds in detail:
- Zinc – this substance is important for producing testosterone. A hormone that is essential for men’s sexual function. Commonly, decreased levels of testosterone are linked with erectile dysfunction.
- Vitamin E – This vitamin aids in improving blood circulation by dilating and relaxing blood vessels. This effect leads to hard and long-lasting erections.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Walnuts and almonds are a rich source of omega-3s. This compound may help to prevent inflammation in the body as well as improve blood flow.
- L-Arginine – This is a substance that is used to produce Nitric Oxide (NO) in your body. NO helps to widen and relax blood vessels, allowing more blood to the penis.
Whole Grains
This product contains high levels of Arginine, an amino acid that helps to produce Nitric Oxide. This chemical substance improves blood flow and helps to maintain hard and long-lasting erections.
Additionally, whole grains have a low Glycemic index, which makes them digested and absorbed slowly. This effect helps to control insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes, which may negatively affect your erectile function.
Healthy blood flow and nerve function also help Vitamins B (such as Niacin, Folate, and Thiamine) that whole grains contain. Moreover, these vitamins help to produce testosterone, which is vital for sexual health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can eggs provoke erectile dysfunction?
There is not enough evidence on whether eggs cause ED or not. However, eggs are a good source of many nutrients (such as Vitamin D, Zinc, and Protein). These nutrients may improve erectile function and overall health.
What is the best fruit for erectile dysfunction?
The best fruit for ED is considered watermelon due to its high concentration of Citrulline. This compound helps to improve blood flow to the penis, leading to better erections.
Are there foods that work like Viagra?
There are certain foods that may improve blood flow and help to decrease erectile dysfunction, including pomegranate juice, dark chocolate, and watermelon. In any case, Viagra works better than any food.
